A Study Of Sogdian Historical Materials In Turpan Documents

Influenced by factors such as commercial interests,the Sogdians of Bukhāra and Kashāna,whose homeland was in the Central Asia River region,moved eastward to the Turpan Basin at the latest during the period of the Gaochang Kingdom of the Qu clan(502-640 AD),where some of them stayed and settled.In terms of the distribution of living space,they generally showed that they lived together with members of their own ethnic group in a small area,and coexisting with other ethnic groups in a large area.The integration of regional space promoted the interaction and communication between they and the local people,and made the relationship closer,which was the basis of their integration into the Chinese community.After settling down,making a living became the most important thing for them.With the development of time,they gradually integrated into all classes of Chinese society.In addition to continuing to trade,they also engaged in a variety of occupations,spreading across agriculture,industry,and commerce,even the lowly occupations,they also engaged in.Extensive social participation enabled the Sogdians of Bukhāra and Kashāna to integrate into the local society,and further enhanced their national identity,thereby promoting the process of their own Chineseization.Moreover,under the influence of local religious and culture,their religious and cultural beliefs showed a diversified feature.In addition to believing in Zoroastrianism,they also believe in Buddhism and China’s native religion--Taoism,and accepted and identified with traditional Chinese culture represented by Confucianism,as well as local folk culture.In the process of religious and cultural changes and development,the Sogdians with the surnames An and Shi has been Chineseized from a deep level and fully integrated into the community of the Chinese nation.